Playing college football or participating in acrobatics while high on illegal drugs creates a “serious” risk of injury, according to the University of Oregon, which is why the administration five days ago decided to institute random drug testing of student-athletes as a deterrent, effective immediately.

The university previously had planned to consider random testing following a campus hearing in October. But UO General Counsel Randy Geller on Aug. 31 instituted the testing on a temporary but immediate basis Sept. 1 through Feb. 29.

The UO announced the decision Wednesday.

The university had reason to believe that some of its athletes used drugs after an ESPN report in April detailed a culture of pot-smoking among Oregon football players. Also, in the summer of 2011, a football player told an Oregon State Police trooper during a traffic stop that he and others had smoked pot, after the trooper noted the smell.

“Fall sports were beginning, and we believed there was a compelling need for us to protect student-athletes,” UO spokesman Phil Weiler said Wednesday in explaining the decision to institute random drug testing now. “We believe it’s in the best interest of our student-athletes to make sure that we don’t have people under the influence.”

In July, the university had scheduled a public hearing for August in advance of adopting the new rules, but faculty members asked the administration to hold off until students and faculty returned to campus for fall term.

As a result of those concerns, the administration rescheduled the hearing for Oct. 3. Under long-standing rules, the UO can require student-­athletes to take drug tests, but only with reasonable cause.

The UO constitution and other campus policies require consultation with the University Senate, which won’t convene until fall, according to emeritus professor Frank Stahl.

“The general counsel is ignoring proper procedure by adopting policies without clearing them with the University Senate,” Stahl said Wednesday. “He’s out of line.” Click here for the complete story.